Shore excursion security?

Question

I’ll be taking my first cruise on August and was wondering the best way to be safe on shore excursions? More specifically how do should you carry money and IDs, especially if you’ll be snorkeling. And help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Shore excursions that are booked through the cruise line are the safest way to go.  We cruised to Jamaica and booked through the cruiseline and we went on a bus tour to some gardens and a museum and then to Dunn's River Falls.  After that we went shopping, but the bus took us to a shopping area that was actually closed off unless you were a tourist because the native people are so aggressive to the tourists.  In the Bahamas we did not book through the cruiseline but went off the ship and there are people on the dock who want to take you on bus tours and they have licenses to show you through their government that they are certified and reputable in touring.  The lady who took us around the Bahamas was awesome and we had a blast.  If you leave the ship and go on your own and are not familiar with the country, you may be at risk, so it's really up to you if  you want to take the chance or not, but it's definitely safer booking through the cruiseline.  Take as little money as possible with you off shore.

Answer 2

If you are going to do shore excursions, definately pay the extra money for the onboard tours. Because....if they run late, the ship will not leave without you. If you go off on your own and do a tour and it comes back late, you will be a$$ed out. It is very, very expensive to get flown out to the next port, so be safe in that manner. If you are going snorkeling, you really don't need any money, and you will probably want to go back to your cabin to change anyway.

Answer 3

Take very little money with you. You can purchase a water proof container, which hangs around your neck that you can keep your Sea Pass (room key) and your money in while you are snorkeling.  They are inexpensive and you can buy them at just about any good sporting goods store.